Accused California synagogue killer pleads not guilty

A 19-year-old man accused of killing one worshipper and wounding three others in a shooting spree in a California synagogue pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to murder and attempted-murder charges in an attack prosecutors are treating as a hate crime.

Gavino Garay reports.

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Accused California synagogue killer pleads not guilty

The man accused of killing a woman in a California synagogue over the weekend pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges Tuesday in a San Diego court.

Authorities said on Saturday John T.

Earnest walked into the Chabad of Poway synagogue during Sabbath prayers on the last day of Passover and opened fire with an assault-style rifle, killing 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye and wounding three others.

The 19-year-old was arrested shortly after the bloodshed at the synagogue north of San Diego that rattled the Jewish community.

Prosecutors are treating the attack as a hate crime.

The judge ordered Earnest, who had no prior criminal record, to remain held without bail.